CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Chicago TV series from the 1950's is being digitized, with the Chicago History Museum showing episodes the week between Christmas and New Year's.
"Kukla, Fran and Ollie" was a pioneering comedy known for its innovative and improvisational puppetry and influenced future shows like "Sesame Street" and "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."
In 1947, puppeteer Burr Tillstrom brought a troupe of performers already familiar to many Chicagoans through local television station WBKB.
The cast included Fran Allison, Oliver J. Dragon, Buelah Witch, Cecil Bill, Madame Ooglepuss, Fletcher Rabbit, Colonel Crackie, and Kukla.
"Working without a script, the cast of "Kukla, Fran and Ollie" improvised conversations about everyday life laced with humor, astute commentary on current events, original music, and perennial features," the museum said in a statement.
Director of Exhibitions Paul Durica told Block Club Chicago that the cast's ability to improvise was "astounding."
“Imagine going on the air five days a week, more or less making it up as you went along," he said.
"Kukla, Fran and Ollie" aired live for a decade. The Chicago History Museum will showcase five newly digitized, winter-themed episodes reflecting Chicago's influence starting Monday through December 31 from 2- 4:30 p.m.
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